One of the biggest challenges in any room is how to add pattern to the space. Here are some simple tips on how to mix patterns with blue and white.
Did you know that there is never going to be a type of decorating that every single person loves?
Never. Ever. In the history of ever.
It took me a long time to understand that.
You can post a room online before and some people love it and some people say that there are too many patterns or not enough pattern or not enough color on the walls or that the walls are too boring or there are not enough accent colors.
And on and on and decorating opinion on.
I get it.
Truly.
But here’s the thing. While those opinions are valuable and important and amazing, they are other people’s opinions.
Not yours.
That’s why you have to decorate with what makes YOU happy. That’s why you have to create rooms and spaces and places that fill YOU with joy and sunshine from the moment you put your big toe in the doorway.
So today?
I want to ENCOURAGE you in your decorating journey. Your home is BEAUTIFUL. Your home is LOVED. Your home is special and full of joy and amazingness and it’s one of a kind.
Just. Like. You.
And now? Let’s talk blue and white and patterns and mixing them.
Grab a beverage. I have TONS of blue and white photos and I want to share them all with you.
How to mix patterns in blue and white
1. start with a neutral
Here’s the thing with learning how to mix patterns.
It’s a lot like those Flock of Seagulls bangs and Aqua Net hairspray.
A little goes a long way.
That’s why you need neutrals to ground it. Notice that the walls are white. The ceiling is white. The couches are khaki. In fact, most of the furniture in the space with the exception of the striped chairs is either white or neutral. That neutral background allows the pattern to stand out.
If you want to introduce pattern into a space, pick one area for it to shine. For example, if you want a patterned rug? Let your walls be neutral. If you want patterned couches? Let your pillows be more neutral.
Choose where to put your pattern and apply it wisely.
2. When mixing patterns, layer your designs
There are four different basic types of patterns:
- neutral (little or no pattern)
- smaller-scale pattern
- medium-scale pattern
- larger-scale pattern
Here are my pillows on one of the couches.
That’s some neutral mixed with some medium-scale mixed with some larger-scale together.
Pillows are a great place to start with learning how to mix patterns.
It’s just a little commitment.
It’s kind of like watching the trailer to a movie.
Pop a pillow on the couch to decide if you like the direction before you commit to the mini-series.
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3. When mixing patterns, incorporate other surfaces
Sometimes when we think of mixing patterns, we typically think of textiles.
But truly?
There is are patterns everywhere.
Here are some examples of mixing patterns in this room:
- pottery
- plates
- artwork
- prints
- pillows
- throws
- rugs
- furniture
- curtains
When thinking of pattern for your spaces, it’s important to remember you can add pattern into a room with different surfaces and accessories.
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4. The more varied the pattern, the smaller the color palette
This is one of my favorite decorating words to live by.
Notice that in this room there are basically two colors.
Blue and white.
I added color with the flowers and the artwork, but the rest of the room is decorated in shades of those colors.
It makes it so much easier to layer in patterns if you have a smaller color palette to work with.
5. Choose the patterns that work for you
I know I’ve said this before.
But like a pattern–it bears repeating.
When mixing patterns, choose the patterns and the type of patterns and the style of patterns that YOU like.
Patterns that work for you.
If you like big florals with tiny stripes and hot pink shag carpeting. YOU GO GIRL.
If you like simple khaki neutral polka dots with linen monograms and greige walls. YOU GO GIRL.
If pattern makes you shiver and you want to decorate with solides. YOU GO GIRL.
If you like to break the rules, then I encourage you to break all the pattern rules and choose what makes you happy. The world needs more pattern rule breakers.
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If you take nothing else away from today’s post, remember this. Be true to who you are and what your house tells you it wants to be.
No matter what you see on Pinterest.
Or see on a blog.
Or read about in a magazine.
There is only one you and the home you create with things that you love will be perfect.
Decorate with your heart.
And let your patterns (and your bangs) reach for the stars.
PS I have an amazing blue and white pinboard with even more inspiration.
Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.
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